Canalicular adenoma immunoprofile: a case report.

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of canalicular adenoma (CA) and discuss the use of immunohistochemistry to better address the diagnosis given some unusual characteristics in this patient.

BACKGROUND

CA is an uncommon benign neoplasm that can develop in minor salivary gland duct tissues throughout the oral cavity. At histology, it shares several features with other salivary tumors. Immunohistochemistry can be useful in the differential diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical presentation consisted in a nodule on the left upper lip of an 85-year-old man. The patient's main complaint was upper denture instability secondary to soft tissue changes. The nodule was excised under local anesthesia and underwent histological and immunohistochemical examination to rule out any malignancy.

RESULTS

Histological findings, cytokeratin positivity and the absence of any reactivity to specific markers of myoepithelial differentiation confirmed the epithelial nature of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

The histological diagnosis of benign salivary tumors such as CA can be confirmed by immunohistochemistry.